Washington State Health Care Authority Visa Sponsorship Jobs USA

Description

Apple Health Communications Consultant 3 (CC3/COM)

71091677

The Apple Health Communications Consultant 3 role offers an opportunity to make health care information clear and accessible for nearly 2 million Washington residents. This detail-oriented position focuses on creating and managing outreach and marketing materials, web content, and both targeted and mass communications that help people understand and access free or low-cost health care coverage. Based in Olympia, Washington, this position is ideal for a strategic communicator who enjoys reaching diverse audiences with messaging that is easy to understand and act upon.

All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.

About the division:

Functioning as both the state’s largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. There are three pillars to our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents. The Communications Division provides strategic leadership and operational support for external and internal communications on agency business and strategic initiatives for HCA.

About the position:

Under the direction of the Apple Health Communications Manager, this position implements outreach and marketing for Washington Apple Health clients and stakeholders, including the Apple Health Expansion program. This position plans, develops, coordinates, and implements communications for Apple Health and Apple Health Expansion programs. This role advises program managers and agency leadership to help ensure communications are understandable, actionable, and convey consistent, clear agency messages. This position uses strategic thinking to anticipate potential communications challenges and public reactions, evaluate proposed actions and timelines, align actions with the agency mission and goals, and develop strategies to ensure HCA’s messaging reaches a diverse audience.

This position is eligible to telework but is occasionally required to report onsite to meet business needs. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location.

Duties

Some of what you will do:

• Use plain talk principles to write, edit, and review, and plan Apple Health and Apple Health Expansion communications materials, including forms, infographics, publications, fact sheets, FAQs, letters, and more.
• Manage day-to-day Drupal web updates for assigned sections of hca.wa.gov, including client, provider, and stakeholder pages.
• Plan, organize, schedule, and carry out comprehensive, data-driven outreach plan to promote Apple Health and Apple Health Expansion programs statewide and with hard-to-reach populations.
• Review managed care organizations’ Apple Health marketing materials for accuracy, consistency, and accessibility.
• Coordinate translation requests on behalf of the Medicaid Programs Division, Apple Health Services & Operations, and the Office of the Medicaid Director.
• Write and edit targeted and mass emails for clients, billers, providers, and stakeholders.
• Write and produce outreach toolkits, including messaging, materials, and logistical information.
• Collaborate with HCA visual communications team to complete annual review of Apple Health and Apple Health Expansion publications.
• Support the Apple Health client team with the quarterly Apple Health Managed Care Communications Council, including managing the agenda, scheduling presenters, determining content, drafting slide decks, and facilitating.
• Coordinate internal communications relating to Apple Health and the Apple Health Expansion program, including writing stories, producing Apple Health content for agency meetings, and drafting talking points for call center staff on emerging issues.
• Support occasional on-site photo and video requests at HCA’s studio in Olympia, Washington.
• Provide social media support, including drafting content and monitoring social media inboxes for questions from clients, providers, and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1:

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field and three (3) years of the required experience below

Option 2:

Associate degree in a field identified above, and five (5) years of the required experience below

Option 3:

Seven (7) years of the required experience below

The required experience includes:

• Professional experience in communications, journalism or related public relations/community information positions that included writing, editing, and planning.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate complex technical information (verbally and in writing) to a non-technical audience, including the application of plain language principles to legally precise documents.
• Excellent writing and proof-reading skills.
• Curiosity about and enthusiasm for telling an organization’s story to internal and external audiences.

Required competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred qualifications:

• Strong understanding of and ability to implement plain talk principles for complex health care eligibility, policy, and clinical communications.
• Demonstrated ability to plan strategically, identify communications needs, and develop goals and comprehensive work plans for achieving those goals.
• Ability to work independently and in groups.
• Experience working with diverse populations and understanding of culturally and linguistically appropriate communications practices.
• Experience working with government agencies, health care providers, health care insurers, or public/private health care stakeholders and customers.
• Knowledge of state health care programs, commercial health care insurance, and current health care issues.
• Understanding of health equity principles and how to apply them to communications strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to use social media tools to communicate with multiple audiences.
• Experience with professional photography and video equipment and best practices.

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach in separate files:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
• Current resume

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Supplemental Information

About HCA:

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
• And free parking!

Notes:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or lisa.fleming@hca.wa.gov.

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026